Abbott forms HCV protease inhibitor partnership

Abbott has announced that it has signed a global agreement with Enanta Pharmaceuticals for the development and commercialisation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 and NS3/4A protease inhibitors.

As part of the agreement, Abbot has been granted access to Enanta’s knowledge regarding a number of compounds, including some US patents, in addition to its drug discovery abilities regarding HCV NS3 and NS3/4A protease inhibitors.

When the agreement is closed, subject to standard regulations, Abbott will pay Enanta a first payment of $57 million (28.97 million pounds) of cash and share investment, with additional payments made and rights given dependant on the development of products and regulatory and clinical milestones.

John Leonard, vice president of global pharmaceutical research and development at Abbott, said: “Enanta has done compelling work in its HCV protease inhibitor programme and we look forward to working together on the advancement of this global programme.”

He added that Abbott’s own work regarding protein inhibitors against HIV had offered the basis and drive for its research into HCV.

Earlier this month, Abbott announced the launch of the I Stand with Magic: Campaign to End Black AIDS programme in the US in conjunction with the Magic Johnson Foundation in order to reduce the incidence of AIDS in the African-American community by half over five years.